The Health Service Executive (HSE) today warned that nearly 80 per cent of people are not aware of the risk of STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
As part of an STI safety campaign this Valentine's Day the HSE is urging people to avoid the risk of contracting infections by carrying a condom.
Catherine Murphy, Assistant National Director for Population Health at the HSE said: "There is nothing romantic about an STI. If left untreated, complications from chlamydia, for example, can include pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility."
Catherine Murphy, Assistant National Director for Population Health at the HSE
She added: "Condoms are the most effective defence against conditions such as chlamydia, genital warts or HIV. We encourage people to carry condoms, particularly as sex is often unplanned."
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is also running a Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance (Shag) week today with a plan to provide 30,000 packs to students.
The packs will contain information on safer sex, condoms and lubricant, and listings for STI clinics and Sexual and Reproductive Health Services.
USI President Colm Hamrogue said: "The aim of Shag week is to put students in touch with the full facts on sexual health and promote safer sex."